Red Engine Press conducted an e-mail interview with Deborah Spencer Foliart, first-time author of A Small Town Somewhere. Here are her answers to our questions:
What age reading group does A Small Town Somewhere fit?
I intended for my audience to be those old enough to understand relationships and friendships. So, teenagers on up would be a good mix of readers that I think could enjoy A Small Town Somewhere.
Are you working on another book?
I have the plot for the next two books started but haven't gotten into the writing much as of yet. My plans all along was at least four books in the series. We have an abundance of characters in Logan's Creek that have many stories.
I planned all along to have at least four in the series. Because of the characters, I think it could be more. Depends on the readership and how much they fall in love with Abby Rose Carter.
Where do you write?
Over the past year I have split time between our home in Van Buren, Ar and our motor home when we are traveling. We spent time in Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee this past year and I was writing on the book all during those trips.
When do you write?
I always thought that a writer would work 8-5 much like anyone else did or some form of that schedule but it really doesn't work that way. I have found days that it just didn't come to write down or create. But also, there have been nights that I can't get the characters out of my mind and I will wake up at 2 or 3 and get up. If I don't put it on paper or sit down with my computer I will lose the thought and I won't find it again. Also at that point, often I can turn off my mind and sleep.
Do you outline your books or write seat-of-the-pants?
Funny you asked that. When I first thought of these characters, the story was a bit different, but over time it got better. I did try to put down a portion of my thoughts in how the story would go. However, the timeline over time adjusted as it was written. My writing coach Marla Cantrell was great to help me through being stuck in places.
Where did you get the idea for this story?
I was in the corporate world for 33 years, so being a woman working in that arena gave me much ammunition to begin with. Also being from a small town with much character and great people, that was easy enough. I had already started the book and was much into it when I realized that Abby needed a support system of other women in the story to be there for her. In other books she will be there for them. That is when I realized I had my own support system that could be used.
There are six of us that have served together over the past almost two decades in some form or fashion in our community. We have laughed and cried together and when we need each other for support they are only a call or message away. We call ourselves The Leading Ladies. So, I decided this would be Abby's troop of friends that were always there for her.
Every woman needs a group like this one. The rest just evolved really as I went along.
Are the characters modeled after actual people? If so, who?
Some of the characters are based on people in my circle, people I've known, and others are people that I've just met. Others are just fictional characters that fit the need. Some of the characters are actually combinations of more than one person.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes, it absolutely is the first book I've ever attempted. It is a lot of work.
What places are you having book signings and speaking engagements and when?
As of right now, I will be launching my book at Chapters on Main Bookstore & Coffeeshop in Van Buren, Arkansas on Thursday, October 10th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Also, for those who can't make it on Thursday night, I will be there Saturday, October 12th from 11am-2pm.
I will also be at Chapters on Main in Van Buren on Friday night November 8th for Ladies Night Out at 5:30 pm.
I will be at the new bookstore in Mena Arkansas, Books N’ Stuf, on November 30th from 11am-1pm.
I'm hoping to be able to add several other places for the holidays.
Who helped you do the research on your book?
My editor and writing coach is Marla Cantrell. She helped me through the entire process. She also kept me going with inspiration.
Who did your book cover?
It was truly a combination of Shanna Crow, my graphics designer that I've worked with on many projects over the past two decades and myself. We asked several people, including the Leading Ladies before we settled on the first option I came to the table with.
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Don’t miss these events if you are close enough to attend.
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